Mount Pisgah Trail

Mount Pisgah Trail is a 2.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Canton, NC that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

2.2 miles752 feetOut & Back

dogs on leash

kid friendly

birding

camping

hiking

nature trips

trail running

walking

forest

views

wild flowers

wildlife

rocky

Mount Pisgah area trails include several trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the moderate and popular 3.2 mile RT out and back trail to the summit of Mt. Pisgah and some spectacular views.
Mount Pisgah area trails include several trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway near and to the summit of Mt. Pisgah - the moderate and popular 3.2 mile RT out and back namesake trail.
Easily visible from most of downtown Asheville, Mount Pisgah's 5721' summit supports the transmission tower for WLOS-TV, channel 13. The summit trail is a rocky, steep climb through hardwoods, rhododendron and mountain laurel tunnels, to 360 degree views (which are somewhat subdued because of the TV tower). Starting at the back of the parking area on the south side of the parkway, the initially flat and rocky trail traverses over the Buck Spring tunnel across the BRP through high-elevation hardwood forest. The first half of the hike gains only about 200', while the other half gains 521'. The steep part of the trail is essentially a very rocky staircase through mountain laurel thickets and stands of varying hardwoods.
At the summit stands the transmission tower for WLOS-TV, channel 13, and an observation deck. The tower subdues the view, but the view is still spectacular, especially to the south and west. The parking area, the Campground & Pisgah Inn are easily visible to the south; the Shining Rock Wilderness to the west; the Great Smoky Mountains farther to the west; and to the northeast, the city of Asheville, Craggy Mountains, and Mount Mitchell.
Connecting trails adding views and mileage include the Buck Spring trail, the 3.6 mi. one-way Pilot Rock Trail, the Little Pisgah Ridge Trail, the 7.4 mile Laurel Mountain Trail, as well as many miles along the Mountains-to-Sea and Shut-in trails. The 16.3 mile Shut-In trail is the original route from George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate to the Buck Spring lodge, his mountain getaway.

Get off the Parkway at the Mt. Pisgah Overlook at mile 407.6. The trailhead is at the end of the second parking area. It's a little steep in spots with lots of rocky steps on the second half of the trail. It is a very pretty climb with a few nice views. But they do not compare to the wonderful 360 degree view from the platform at the top (even with the TV tower).

A short, mostly shaded hike. Steady incline, but not overly strenuous since the hike is so short. The trail is covered with rhododendron and mountain laurel. The summit is ok, unfortunately it has the huge antenna at the top. It does have good views- you can easily see Canton and Asheville.

Nice solid hike. Nice, safe parking area. Great place for non hikers to await their hiking family members. The trail itself is a steady rocky incline but not that bad. Views at the top are worth the workout getting up their.

OK hike. The view at the top is nice but no better than others and I was frankly not impressed with the trail itself. Just not a lot to offer besides the view at the top. Rating might reflect the fact that I got stung on top. I would go between leaves and snow. Might make it better

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Steve M.

Moderate is a good descriptor for the hike to the summit. Pretty hike. Steep rocky terrain for almost half of the walk up. My 6 year old got tired close to the top, but managed the walk down with no issues.

It was a nice and cool hike for August. We were staying at the Pisgah Inn (great views and meals!) and started our hike from there. It gets steep about halfway to the top, make sure to take a bottle of water. The views at the top are worth the effort!